Canis lupus familiaris
The domesticated wolf. The dog. Man’s best friend. There are an estimated 400 million of them in the world, all shapes and sizes and different kinds – companion dogs, working dogs, rescue dogs, stray dogs, hot dogs…
And then you get office dogs! What could be nicer or more calming than a dog sleeping under your desk, or a soft head to pat when you go to the kitchen to make a cup of tea?
It’s scientifically proven animals have a therapeutic impact on humans, lowering our heart rate and increasing the production of endorphins. A cat in a rehabilitation centre or a budgie in a retirement home can do wonders for the two legged residents; someone who’s always there for a chat or a pat.
For the last few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of our own little VGroup studio dog – Teddy. And he’s definitely lowered the heart rate on some of us and brought out a soft touch. He could do with improving his tea making skills though …